forfend

[ fawr-fend ]
See synonyms for forfend on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object)
  1. to defend, secure, or protect.

  2. to fend off, avert, or prevent.

  1. Archaic. forbid.

Origin of forfend

1
First recorded in 1350–1400, forfend is from the Middle English word forfenden.See for-, fend
  • Also forefend [fawr-fend, fohr-] /fɔrˈfɛnd, foʊr-/ .

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Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use forfend in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for forfend

forfend

forefend

/ (fɔːˈfɛnd) /


verb(tr)
  1. US to protect or secure

  2. obsolete to prohibit or prevent

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